Sheala Dawn Reinertson is a woman of strength, resilience, and compassion whose journey reflects both personal courage and a deep commitment to helping others. At 33, she is an advanced patient care technician, a devoted wife, and a proud mother, balancing her family life with her studies in nursing school as she builds a career in healthcare. Before embracing her true self, Sheala spent eight years serving in the US Navy, an experience she looks back on with pride and gratitude. Her service shaped her discipline, her sense of responsibility, and her drive to contribute meaningfully to the lives of others. Sheala’s path as a transgender woman began at the age of 31, when she finally understood and embraced the feelings she had carried with her since childhood. Transitioning came with emotional challenges, yet she found it far easier than continuing to live in silence.
Her journey is also tied to advocacy, as she benefited from The Name Change Project in Pittsburgh, which connects transgender people with volunteer attorneys. For Sheala, this program was not just helpful but essential, making her legal transition possible and more affordable. She now speaks openly about how important legal support is for transgender people, from name changes to the defense of basic civil rights. Sheala’s story is one of authenticity, perseverance, and love. She is grateful for the support of her wife Megan, whom she calls her rock, and who has stood beside her through every difficult moment. Sheala’s voice is also one of encouragement to other transgender women struggling with dysphoria, as she reminds them that it does get better and that small steps forward can make all the difference. In sharing her experiences, she hopes to bring light, awareness, and understanding to others, while also showing that acceptance and love can be the strongest sources of strength.
Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Sheala Dawn Reinertson, an advanced patient care technician, a happy wife, and a devoted mother. Hello, Sheala!
Sheala: Hello Monika, it is a pleasure to be with you.
Monika: Could you please tell us a little about yourself?
Sheala: Yes, thank you. I am 33 and came out as transgender at 31. Before then, I spent eight years in the US Navy, and I am very proud of the time I served. I am now making significant progress in my career and in nursing school. I feel motivated every day to grow professionally and personally.
Monika: Your name gained attention through The Name Change Project, which expanded to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania a year ago and connects transgender people with volunteer attorneys. How did the project help you personally?
Sheala: That was honestly the only way I was able to complete my name change. In Pennsylvania, I had to appear before a judge, and I would have done the paperwork all wrong on my own. They were also able to minimize the cost for me. Without that support, I would not have been able to afford the name change. The project made a challenging process much more manageable and gave me peace of mind.
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| "10 Months" (YouTube) |
Monika: How important do you think legal advice is for transgender people?
Sheala: It is very important. Legal advice is needed for many things, from a name change to basic civil rights. Having proper guidance can prevent unnecessary stress and complications. Many of us are unfamiliar with the legal system, and trying to navigate it alone can be overwhelming. Good legal support can make the difference between success and failure in critical areas of our lives. It also gives transgender people a sense of protection and dignity when facing challenges that are often stacked against us.
Monika: How would you describe the current situation of transgender women in American society?
Sheala: That is a very difficult question to answer. There are many factors that influence how a trans woman is treated, with location being the largest. However, in general, I believe that there is more acceptance. Society is slowly moving toward understanding and acknowledging our experiences. At the same time, there are still many places where prejudice and discrimination are strong. The progress we see today is encouraging, but there is still much work to be done to ensure equal rights and safety. I believe that education and visibility will continue to improve the situation for future generations.
Monika: At what age did you begin your transition, and was the process difficult for you?
Sheala: I began my transition at 31 after I finally realized what the feeling I had always had really meant. There were a lot of emotional challenges, but it was honestly easier to transition than to continue living the way I had. I have learned so much about myself through the process, and it has strengthened my sense of self-worth.
Monika: When you were beginning your transition, did you have any transgender role models that you looked up to or followed?
Monika: When you were beginning your transition, did you have any transgender role models that you looked up to or followed?
Sheala: I can’t say that there was anyone in particular. I watched several YouTube videos and drew strength from them. Their stories gave me courage and made me feel less alone in my journey. Even though I didn’t have a single role model, seeing different people living openly gave me hope. It reminded me that there was no single way to transition and that everyone’s story is unique. In many ways, those videos became a lifeline, showing me that happiness was possible for someone like me.
Monika: Are there transgender women today whom you admire or respect?
Sheala: There are so many; we all have our own individual stories to tell. We have all fought our own battles. There are a few names that I would like to recognize. Diane Schatz, a local trans woman, helped me realize my potential. Then there is Autumn Sky Dirnberger; she and her wife Pamela supported both me and my wife during this challenging time. Their guidance and compassion have made a lasting impact on my life.
Monika: What was the most difficult part of coming out for you?
Sheala: I would have to say the fear of rejection was the hardest part for me. There is also the constant fear of violence. Learning to face those fears has helped me grow stronger and more confident in who I am. It was not easy to open up to family and friends, wondering if they would still accept me. Every conversation felt like stepping into the unknown, but each small act of honesty made me braver. Over time, I discovered that the people who truly loved me stood by my side, and that gave me hope to keep moving forward.
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| "10 Months" (YouTube). |
Monika: How do you feel about the way transgender people have been represented in films, newspapers, or books so far?
Sheala: The stories recently have been much better at portraying us in a more positive light. We used to be shown only as sex workers or as mentally ill. Now shows and media are portraying us as ordinary people, and they make it clear that we do not have a mental disorder and that not all of us rely on sex work for a living. These changes give hope that society is slowly beginning to understand and respect transgender lives.
Monika: The transgender cause is often represented together with the broader LGBT community. Do you think transgender people are able to promote their own issues effectively within this larger group?
Sheala: It is difficult to do that without separating ourselves from them. To be honest, I sometimes question if we really belong. But I do recognize that we have faced the same discrimination and, in many cases, still do. It is important to continue advocating for our specific needs while working with the wider community.
Monika: Is there anyone in the United States transgender community whose activism could be compared to what Harvey Milk did for gay rights in the 1960s and 70s?
Sheala: I am honestly not sure. I know there are a couple of people who have come out nationally, and I believe they will help bring awareness to trans issues. Their visibility is important for inspiring younger generations and creating social change. I think it will take time for a single figure to emerge in the same way Harvey Milk did, because our movement is still building its foundation. Many activists are working hard in their own communities, and their combined efforts are slowly changing perceptions across the country. What matters most is that their voices are being heard, and that gives hope to so many of us.
Monika: Are you active in politics, or do you participate in any lobbying campaigns? Do you believe transgender women can have an impact in politics?
Sheala: In short, no, I am not. I do believe, however, that transgender women have the potential to make meaningful contributions in politics if they choose to engage. It just requires courage and a willingness to speak up for our community.
Monika: How do you feel about fashion? What kind of clothes do you usually wear, and are there any styles, colors, or trends that you particularly like?
Sheala: I don’t follow fashion trends; I just wear what looks good and makes me feel good. I would be the girl to wear a dress every day if I could. I just know that, practically, I can’t always do that. Fashion for me is about comfort and self-expression rather than following rules or trends.
Monika: Could you talk about the role of love in your life?
Sheala: If it wasn’t for my wife Megan Reinertson, the love of my life, I would not be here now. She has been my rock, the one I can turn to when times get rough, and we face challenges together. Her support has given me the confidence to be my authentic self every day.
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| At the onset of her journey. |
Monika: Many transgender women write memoirs. Have you ever considered writing a book about your experiences?
Sheala: I have thought about starting a YouTube blog; I just can’t bring myself to take it any further. Sharing my story is important to me, but I am still figuring out the best way to do that. Sometimes I feel that writing a book would allow me to express my journey more deeply and reach people on a personal level. Other times, I think video would capture the emotions and authenticity of my daily life better. I know that one day I will find the right format to share my experiences in a way that feels both natural and meaningful.
Monika: Are you working on any new projects at the moment?
Sheala: Well, right now I am working on getting my insurance provider to cover transgender-related care, in hopes of being able to complete a couple of surgeries within a year or so. It is a challenging process, but I am determined to make it happen.
Monika: What advice would you give to transgender girls who are struggling with gender dysphoria?
Sheala: It gets better. Do something that will distract you from the moment, something that will take you out of the situation you are in and allow you to forget for a little while. Having another person to talk to after you have calmed down helps greatly as well. Remember that small steps forward can make a big difference over time.
Monika: Sheala, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me today.
Sheala: Thank you, it has been a pleasure. I hope my experiences can help others feel less alone and more encouraged on their own journeys.
All the photos: courtesy of Sheala Dawn Reinertson.
© 2015 - Monika Kowalska
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